The Arc Westchester: Bridging Gaps with Golfing for Kids and Employer Recognition Breakfast

The Arc Westchester is the largest and oldest organization in Westchester County that provides comprehensive lifelong support for people with developmental disabilities, standing as one of the county’s most respected not-for-profit institutions. With numerous facilities and group homes, The Arc Westchester offers a wide array of programs and services that support nearly 2,000 individuals and families and employ over 700 staff members.

One of The Arc Westchester’s signature fundraising events, Golfing for Kids, will take place on September 15th at Knollwood Country Club. This annual golf outing benefits The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School for Early Development, a preschool that provides early childhood education for children with developmental disabilities, as well as early intervention services for children under the age of three. The school operates both as a self-contained preschool in Hawthorne and through integrated classroom settings, allowing students to learn alongside their neurotypical peers. The event features food, prizes, a silent and live auction, and opportunities for attendees to learn more about the organization’s mission and impact.

Fundraisers like Golfing for Kids are critical to bridging the funding gaps in early childhood education. Special education is “chronically underfunded,” according to Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation. While the Children’s School for Early Development provides some of the highest-quality preschool care available, funding shortfalls still exist.

For some of their adult participants, The Arc Westchester partners with more than 100 businesses across the county to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful employment. For example, Regeneron currently employs seven people supported by The Arc Westchester for roles ranging from custodial services to laboratory support. The agency provides a robust job coaching program to assist employers with onboarding and building successful, sustainable working relationships. Through this program, the participants become an integrated and essential part of the team. Many employers say they can’t imagine their workplace without them.

To celebrate the employment program, The Arc Westchester will host its Employer Recognition Breakfast on October 31st. This event, paused during the pandemic but revived last year, is not a fundraiser, but a free event dedicated to honoring employment partners and recognizing their leadership and commitment to inclusive hiring. Several awards will be bestowed to employers who have gone above and beyond to support The Arc Westchester community, including the coveted Anthony Cannata Memorial Award bestowed to an exceptional employee. This year, they will also introduce a new award honoring a standout volunteer, part of the growing recognition of the organization's volunteer program, which has seen a 60% increase in participation over the past year.

Community members are warmly invited to participate in Golfing for Kids, whether by golfing, sponsoring the event, or attending the evening program. More information can be found at www.arcwestchester.org/GFK2025/. To learn more about the services provided by The Arc Westchester, visit www.arcwestchester.org.